Whiskey Headshot

Whiskey Headshot were a Liverpool based psychedelic/pop group who became notably recognised as being one of the more unique and progressive bands on the local circuit.

The band was lead by singer/songwriter Mike Murphy, which earned him and the band recognition as one of Liverpool’s promising up and coming acts.

The band (Jan ‘06 - Jan ‘09) were Mike Murphy (Vocals/guitar) Andy Smith (guitar) Paul Nelson (Bass) and Ash Morgan (drums).

Whiskey Headshot first appeared on the Liverpool music scene on March 2006 to a packed crowd at The Zanzibar Club. It was within these early months the band lived together in a house (nick named, ‘Gin Towers’) on the world famous ‘Penny Lane’, a la ‘The Monkeys’ / The Beatles film ‘Help’.

Over the first two years, the band played a string of hit and run shows over Liverpool collecting a sizeable growing fan base along the way as well spending most of their time creating new and interesting ideas in their ‘Rabbit Hole’ Studio. As a result, the rare retro sound of the band along with increasing word of mouth helped the bands music spread across the UK.

Occasionally compared to the likes of The Zutons and The Coral, the fact that Whiskey Headshot was inspired by 60’s music appeared to be where the similarities ended. The band were mainly inspired by the west coast psychedelic movement of 1967-1967, particularly bands such as The Electric Prunes, The Seeds, The Getaways, The Doors, Moby Grape, Syd Barratt, The Pretty Things, Love and The Soft Machine. Paul Nelson was a key influence introducing Mike to an array of records from the era. Along with Mike’s song-writing technique, this appeared to be a very interesting formula indeed and Mike’s approach to song-writing developed into something more altogether different from his previous approach.

The band would go on to play headline shows in London including The Dublin Castle finding fans in Ben Elton, Carl Barat, Stuart Epps and Alan McGee as well A&R. The band however were deemed to be ‘Interesting and different, but far too difficult to market.’ Even being asked to conform was refused, thus earning them further credibility in Liverpool.

In January 2008, Mike Murphy penned a song for a James Bond novel entitled ‘The Devil May Care’. The song chosen by penguin books as a potential choice for the official bond song for the audio release, however, another song was eventually chosen. Despite this, the song became one of the bands more popular songs encapsulating the 60’s retro sound that they would become well known for.

In 2008, the band played shows with the likes of Reverend and The Makers, Scouting for Girls, Tiny Dancers and The Holloways as performing in Manchester, Sheffield, Deeside and London. The band also played headlining performances at LMW and Sound City festivals. Now with management and strong local buzz, the band decided to test their popularity on their hometown. It was on 22nd November 2008 Whiskey Headshot headlined their very own show at Liverpool’s Carling Academy selling out the venue. The gig featured Jim Bennett (Paul’s Nephew) on Organ and a visual light show provided by ‘Towyn‘, building a visual concept for the band. The night went on to receive great reviews and exposed the band to wider audience. The determination and patience appeared to have paid off as Whiskey Headshot had became the undeniable retro kings of Liverpool and the most popular unsigned act in the city.

It was within these months that former Magic Band members Gary Lucas and Bill Harkleroad (Zoot Horn Rolo) sent messages of well wishes to the band.

To capitalise on their growing popularity, the band recorded their debut release, a double A-Side single produced ‘The 5 magicians’ at The Motor Museum Liverpool. The single featured new songs ‘Black Cat’ (penned By Mike and arranged by Paul) and ‘Strangers in the night’. The tracks would often feature on National Radio stations as well as LFC’s Anfield stadium at half time between matches.

In January 2009, Whiskey Headshot closed the Capital of Culture ’08 Celebrations with a special gig at Liverpool’s Tate Gallery. This was sadly to be their final performance. Due to personal and musical differences, Paul Nelson departed from the band. As a result, the intended single went unreleased and their forthcoming first UK tour was cancelled.

In February 2009, Mike posted a blog to announce that the band would be put on hold and there would be big changes. However two months later, the band was well and truly over. It was decided between the remaining members that they all wanted to go on and do others things, and three years was enough.

Ash Morgan moved to Canada and continues to play drums. Paul Nelson worked on his own material under the name ‘FUNGUS/SPLENDID LIGHTS’ before moving to Korea.

In August 2009, Mike Murphy started to prepare a new project, a band called ‘The Wicked Whispers’ after recording songs in his home studio turning his hand to organ, bass and drums as appose to guitar as the song-writing tool. In 2010, he formed a band (which also features Andy Smith on guitar) to work on his new ideas, it is to be ‘something completely different from Whiskey Headshot’.

As for the late Whiskey Headshot, here is another example of Liverpool churning out a hard working, committed and original act. Taking courage and self belief and applying these ideas to performances that crowds would not forget, they simply stood out. To a Liverpool audience, who are as knowledgeable and as good musicians as the bands themselves, they cannot be fooled. Yet this band was able to strive in this respect by satisfying and inspiring local bands became something of a habit. Unfortunately for Whiskey Headshot, their greatest achievement would be that they were a band that were on the verge of bigger things , yet they wouldn’t survive long enough to see it. Being a potential ‘cult’ band In Liverpool, they will be remembered, which cannot be said of most that ‘almost’ find fame these days.



Myspace Layouts - Myspace Editor



Header Banner Made with MyBannerMaker.com! Click here to make your own!